Hilo fatality 02-25-12

Media Release

A 56-year-old Hilo man died Saturday (February 25) from injuries he received in a motor vehicle/pedestrian crash which occurred on February 24, 2012 on the Wailoa Bridge in Hilo.

The pedestrian was identified as Marcelino Jaquias, Jr., of a Hilo address.

Responding to a 6:58 p.m. call, South Hilo patrol and Traffic Enforcement Unit officers determined that the pedestrian was crossing the Wailoa Bridge in a northerly direction when he was struck by a 2008 Kia van traveling west and being operated by a 47-year-old Hilo man.

The pedestrian, who was not in a crosswalk was transported to the Hilo Medical Center by Fire/Rescue personnel and was later flown to The Queen’s Medical Center in critical condition.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at 6:42 p.m. at the Queen’s Medical Center.

The driver of the van and his passengers, a 43-year-old woman and 5-year-old girl were not injured.

Police do not believe that speed, alcohol or drugs were factors on part of the driver but it appears that the pedestrian had been drinking.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

This is the 4th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared to 5 at the same time last year.